Heritage

 

I was looking through some pictures from the TREAT family reunion in 2010.  I stopped on this one because it reminded me of all the weekends my dad spent with his buddies "pickin and grinnin'" in our living room.  Salty Dog, TennesseWaltz, and so many other songs of the early 1900s were their specialty.  After two or three hours, they would stop for donuts and coffee, then play on into the night.

My Uncle Jack and grandson, Johnathan, are making music by the Buffalo River.  Johnathan is holding my mother's guitar that she played for many years.  When I see it, I immediately go back to the time she would sing along with dad's band.

What has this to do with caregiving?  For me, remembering my heritage and the strength of those who have lived before me, has given me resolve.  I can recall how they worked through the challenges of their lives and came through victorious.

I enjoy the chance to return to a time when I was not the responsible party!  Mom and Dad were the line drawn in the sand and I was taken care of.  Now, it has been my turn and I am the one who is being watched.  How am I responding in a crisis?

Found this oldie...

An Evening Prayer
recorded by Mel Tillis
written by Charles H. Gabriel and C.M. Battersby 

If I have wounded some poor soul today
If I have caused one foot to go astray
If I have walked in my own willful way
Dear Lord for-give

If I have uttered idle words in vain
If I have turned aside from want or pain
Lest I offend some other through the strain
Dear Lord for-give

If I have been perverse or hard or cold
If I have longed for shelter in Thy fold
When Thou hast given me some fort to hold
Dear Lord for-give

Forgive these sins I have confessed to Thee
Forgive the secret sins I do not see
Guide me love me and my keeper be
Dear Lord for-give